Organically functionalized carbon nanocapsule

ABSTRACT

An organically functionalized carbon nanocapsule is provided. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule includes a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group, and n is the number of the organic functional group. By functionalization of high-purity carbon nanocapsules, the application thereof is expanded.

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/606,965, filed Jun. 27, 2003, and entitled “organically functionalized carbon nanocapsule”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to carbon nanocapsules, and in particular to functionalized carbon nanocapsules.

2. Description of the Related Art

A carbon nanocapsule is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituted by multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure. The diameter of a carbon nanocapsule is about 3-100 nm. There are two types of carbon nanocapsules: hollow and metal-filled. The center of a hollow carbon nanocapsule is, of course, hollow, while that of a metal-filled nanocapsule is filled with metals, metal oxides, metal carbides, or alloys.

Carbon nanocapsules were first discovered with carbon nanotubes in 1991, in the process of producing carbon nanotubes. Owing to the strong van der Waals force between carbon nanocapsules and carbon nanotubes, it is not easy to isolate carbon nanocapsules from the carbon nanotubes. In addition, the amount of carbon nanocapsules produced with carbon nanotubes is only enough for structural observation under electron microscope, thus the application thereof is obstructed.

By continuous research, processes producing high-purity hollow carbon nanocapsules as well as magnetic metal-filled carbon nanocapsules have been developed. (Please refer to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/255,669 and 10/329,333) With their special fullerene structure and optoelectronic properties, carbon nanocapsules can be utilized in various fields such as medicine (medical grade active carbon), light and heat absorption, electromagnetic shielding, organic light emitting materials, solar energy receivers, catalysts, sensors, carbon electrodes in lithium batteries, nanoscale composite materials with thermal conductivity and special electrical properties, and nanoscale carbon powder for printing. However, owing to the non-solubility of carbon nanocapsules, the related application is limited and insufficient.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is to functionalize carbon nanocapsules to prepare organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsules, thereby expanding the application thereof.

One embodiment of the invention provides an organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule includes a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group, and n is the number of the organic functional group.

A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the functionalization of carbon nanocapsules involving a redox reaction according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 a illustrates the functionalization of carbon nanocapsules involving a cycloaddition reaction in the example 2a of the invention.

FIG. 2 b illustrates the functionalization of carbon nanocapsules involving a radical addition reaction in the example 2b of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

The carbon nanocapsule is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituting multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure, and the diameter of the carbon nanocapsule is 3-100 nm.

The carbon nanocapsule is a hollow carbon nanocapsule or a metal-filled carbon nanocapsule filled with metals, metal oxides, metal carbides, or alloys.

Before preparing organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsules, high-purity carbon nanocapsules, for example, at least more than 50% must be prepared first, by the preparation method described, for example, in the above-mentioned references. The carbon nanocapsule obtained is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituting multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure, wherein the diameter of a carbon nanocapsule is 3-100 nm. The carbon nanocapsules for preparation of organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsules can be hollow or filled with metals, metal oxides, metal carbides, or alloys.

By functionalization of the carbon nanocapsule, at least one kind of functional groups is bonded on the carbon nanocapsule and uniformly distributed over the surface of the carbon nanocapsule, thereby increasing its reactivity. By functionalization with different functional groups, the reactive variety thereof is enriched, and thereby the application is expanded.

The functionalizing methods of carbon nanocapsules applied in the invention are analogic to those of carbon 60. However, owing to the relatively greater size of carbon nanocapsules, the nano-dispersing technique is important for the control of chemical modifying effects. In addition, carbon nanocapsules have different optical, electrical, and magnetic properties from carbon nanotubes and carbon 60, thus the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsules have distinct applications.

The carbon nanocapsules can be functionalized by a redox reaction, cycloaddition reaction, or a radical addition reaction. Specifically, the organic functional groups are bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof.

In the redox reaction, the carbon nanocapsule is reacted with a strong oxidant, for example, H₂SO₄+HNO₃, OSO₄, KMnO₄ or O₃, to oxidize the surface carbon layer of the carbon nanocapsule and form a functional group, for example, —OH, —C═O, —CHO or —COOH, on the carbon nanocapsule.

In the cycloaddition reaction, the carbon nanocapsule is functionalized via the double bonds on the surface of the carbon nanocapsule. Compounds such as aniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, CH₂O (aldehyde), CH₃NHCH₂COOH (N-substituted glycine derivative), or (CHCl₃+KOH), are reacted with the carbon nanocapsule to form functional groups, for example, —NHAr, —N⁺(CH₃)₂Ar, ═CCl₂ or amino groups, on the carbon nanocapsule.

In the radical addition reaction, the carbon nanocapsule is functionalized via the double bonds on the surface of the carbon nanocapsule. The carbon nanocapsule is reacted with a free-radical initiator or molecules capable of producing radicals, for example, K₂S₂O₈, H₂O₂, methylmethacrylate, or azobis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN), to bond functional groups, for example, —OSO₃ ⁻, —OH, —C(CH₃)₂COOCH₃ or —C(CH₃)₂CN on the carbon nanocapsule.

In the above three kinds of preparation methods, the method involving redox reaction is quite different from the conventional preparation methods of fullerene derivatives. In the redox reaction, strong oxidants are applied to oxidize the surface layers of carbon nanocapsules to form functional groups, for example, —OH, —C═O, —CHO or —COOH, on the surface of carbon nanocapsules. The functionalized carbon nanocapsules are then able to react with any other compounds to form more complicated functionalized carbon nanocapsules. In the preparation methods of fullerene derivatives, however, oxidants are not applied because of the different structure of fullerene molecules. Strong oxidants functionalize molecules by breaking bonds between carbon atoms, which cause damage to a fullerene structure, while still applicable on a carbon nanocapsule by virtue of the multiple-graphite-layer structure.

In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,248 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,732 incorporated herein by reference describe other preparation methods of organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsules.

By functionalization of carbon nanocapsule, an organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is provided, comprising a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof, wherein the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group, and n is the number of the organic functional group, for example, n is 1-100,000. Additionally, the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-5 or 1-2.

In the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule, each E is independently E₁, E₂, E₃, E₄ or E₅, in which each E₁, independently, is Y₁,Y₂-amino, (Y₁,Y₂-alkyl)amino, Y₁,Y₂-ethylendiamino, (dihydroxymethyl)alkylamino, (X₁,X₃-aryl)amino, or X₁,X₃-aryloxy, each E₂, independently, is Y₁,Y₂-alkoxy, (Y₁,Y₂-amino)alkoxy, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-aryl)oxy, (dihydroxyalkyl)aryloxy, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkyl)amino, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-aryl)amino, or dihydroxyalkylamino, each E₃, independently, is Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkoxy, (trihydroxyalkyl)alkoxy, (trihydroxyalkyl)alkylamino, (dicarboxyalkyl)amino, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkyl)thio, (X₁,X₂-aryl)thio, (Y₁,Y₂-alkyl)thio, (dihydroxyalkyl)thio, Y₁,Y₂-dioxoalkyl, each E₄, independently, is ((glycosidyl)oxoheteroaryl)amino, ((glycosidyl)oxoaryl)amino, (X₁,X₂,X₃-heteroaryl)amino, (X₁-diarylketone)amino, (X,X₁-oxoaryl)amino, (X,X₁-dioxoaryl)amino, (Y₁-alkyl,Y₂-alkyldioxoheteroaryl)amino, (Y₁-alkyl,Y₂-alkyldioxoaryl)amino, (di(Y₁,Y₂-methyl)dioxoheteroaryl)amino, (di(Y₁,Y₂-methyl)dioxoaryl)amino, ((glycosidyl)heteroaryl)amino, ((glycosidyl)aryl)amino, ((carboxylacetylalkyl)oxoheteroaryl)amino, ((carboxylacetylalkyl)oxoaryl)amino, ((isopropylaminohydroxyalkoxy)aryl)amino, or (X₁,X₂,X₃-alkylaryl)amino, and each E₅, independently, is (X₁,X₂,X₃-heteroaryl)oxy, (isopropylaminohydroxyalkyl)aryloxy, (X₁,X₂,X₃-oxoheteroaryl)oxy, (X₁,X₂,X₃-oxoaryl)oxy, (X₁,Y₁-oxoheteroaryl)oxy, (X₁-diarylketone)oxy, (X,X₁-oxoaryl)oxy, (X,X₂-dioxoaryl)oxy, (Y₁,Y₂,di-aminodihydroxy)alkyl, (X₁,X₂-heteroaryl)thio, ((tricarboxylalkyl)ethylendiamino)alkoxy, (X₁,X₂-oxoaryl)thio, (X₁,X₂-dioxoaryl)thio, (glycosidylheteroaryl)thio, (glycosidylaryl)thio, Y₁-alkyl(thiocarbonyl)thio, Y₁,Y₂-alkyl(thiocarbonyl)thio, Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkyl(thiocarbonyl)thio, (Y₁,Y₂-aminothiocarbonyl)thio, (pyranosyl)thio, cysteinyl, tyrosinyl, (phenylalanyl)amino, (dicarboxyalkyl)thio, (aminoaryl)₁₋₂₀ amino, or (pyranosyl)amino.

Each X, independently, is halide, each of X₁ and X₂, independently, is —H, —Y₁, —O—Y₁, —S—Y₁, —NH—Y₁, —CO—O—Y₁, —O—CO—Y₁, —CO—NH—Y₁, —CO—NY₁Y₂, —NH—CO—Y₁, —SO₂—Y₁, —CHY₁Y₂, or —NY₁Y₂, and each X₃, independently, is —Y₁, —O—Y₁, —S—Y₁, —NH—Y₁, —CO—O—Y₁, —O—CO—Y₁, —CO—NH—Y₁, —CO—NY₁Y₂, —NH—CO—Y₁, —SO₂—Y₁, —CHY₁Y₂ or —NY₁Y₂;

Each X, independently, is halide, each of X₁ and X₂, independently, is —H, —Y₁, —O—Y₁, —S—Y₁, —NH—Y₁, —CO—O—Y₁, —O—CO—Y₁, —CO—NH—Y₁, —CO—NY₁Y₂, —NH—CO—Y₁, —SO₂—Y₁, —CHY₁Y₂, or —NY₁Y₂, and each X₃, independently, is —Y₁, —O—Y₁, —S—Y₁, —NH—Y₁, —CO—O—Y₁, —O—CO—Y₁, —CO—NH—Y₁, —CO—NY₁Y₂, —NH—CO—Y₁, —SO₂—Y₁, —CHY₁Y₂ or —NY₁Y₂.

Each of Y₁, Y₂ and Y₃, independently, is —B-Z.

Each B, independently, is —R_(a)—O—[Si(CH₃)₂—O—]₁₋₁₀₀, C₁₋₂₀₀₀ alkyl, C₆₋₄₀ aryl, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl, C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl, (C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₋₃₀ alkyl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀(C₆₋₄₀ aryl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₄₋₅₀ alkyl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₁₄₋₆₀ aryl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₀₋₈₀ alkylaryl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₁₀₋₈₀ arylalkyl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₅S₅₀ alkyl urea)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₄₋₆₀ aryl urea)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₁₀₋₈₀ alkylaryl urea)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₀₋₈₀ arylalkyl urea)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₂₋₅₀ alkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ aryl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl amide)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₃₋₃₀ alkyl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₅₀ aryl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₉₋₆₀ alkylaryl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₉₋₆₀ arylalkyl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₂₋₃₀ alkyl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₅₀ aryl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₆₀ alkylaryl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₆₀ arylalkyl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁, —O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—C—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₃—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₃—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—NH—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl amide, C₇₋₆₀ aryl amide, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl amide, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, or —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)NH—CO—NH—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl amide, C₇₋₆₀ aryl amide, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl amide, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀.

Each Z, independently, is —C-D-, wherein each C, independently, is —R—, —R—Ar—, —Ar—R—, or —Ar—, and each D, independently, is —OH, —SH, —NH₂, —NHOH, —SO₃H, —OSO₃H, —COOH, —CONH₂, —CO—NH—NH₂, —CH(NH₂)—COOH, —P(OH)₃, —PO(OH)₂, —O—PO(OH)₂, —O—PO(OH)—O—PO(OH)₂, —O—PO(O—)—O—CH₂CH₂NH₃ ⁺, -glycoside, —OCH₃, —O—CH₂—(CHOH)₄—CH₂₄—CH, —O—CH₂—(CHOH)₂—CHOH, —C₆H₃(OH)₂, —NH₃ ⁺, —N⁺HR_(b)R_(c), or N⁺HR_(b)R_(c)R_(d), wherein each of R, R₁, R₂, R₃, R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), and R_(d) independently, is C₁₋₃₀ alkyl, each Ar, independently, is aryl.

EXAMPLE 1 Redox Reaction

FIG. 1 illustrates the functionalization of carbon nanocapsules involving a redox reaction.

A reaction flask (1 L) was charged with carbon nanocapsules (1.0 g) dissolved in sulfuric acid/nitric acid (weight ratio=1:1). The mixture was stirred by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 mins, and then heated to about 140° C. and refluxed for 2 hours. Afterwards, the mixture was centrifuged to separate the carbon nanocapsules from the strong acid, rinsing the carbon nanocapsules thoroughly followed by several centrifuges, until the pH value of carbon nanocapsules approached 7. The carbon nanocapsules obtained were black with —COOH groups bonded thereon. By titration using NaOH, the concentration of the —COOH groups was identified as 13 μmols/per gram carbon nanocapsules. The oxidization of carbon nanocapsules resulted in damage of the surface carbon layers, which could be observed under a transmission electron microscope. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsules were soluble in water by virtue of the COOH groups.

EXAMPLE 2 Cycloaddition Reaction EXAMPLE 2a

FIG. 2 a illustrates the functionalization of carbon nanocapsules involving a cycloaddition reaction in the example 2a.

A reaction flask (1 L) was charged with carbon nanocapsules (1.0 g) dissolved in a saturated DMF (dimethyl formamide) solution of aldehyde and N-substituted glycine derivative (molar ratio=1:1). The mixture was then stirred by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 mins, and heated to about 130° C. and refluxed for 120 hours. Afterwards, the mixture was centrifuged to separate the carbon nanocapsules from the solution. The reaction was as shown in FIG. 2 a, with a product soluble in chloroform or water.

EXAMPLE 2b

FIG. 2 b illustrates the functionalization of carbon nanocapsules involving a radical addition reaction in the example 2b.

A reaction flask (1 L) was charged with carbon nanocapsules (1.0 g) dissolved in N,N-dimethylaniline (500 ml). The mixture was then stirred by an untrasonic cleaner for 10 mins, heated, and refluxed for 12 hours. Afterwards, the mixture was centrifuged to separate the carbon nanocapsules from the solution. The reaction was as shown in FIG. 2 b, with a product soluble in water.

EXAMPLE 3 Radical Addition Reaction EXAMPLE 3a

A reaction flask (IL) was charged with carbon nanocapsules (100 mg) and K₂S₂O₈ (120 mg) dissolved in water (500 ml). The solution mixture was purged with N₂ prior to stirring and heating to 70° C. for 5 hours. The product was black carbon nanocapsules with —OSO₃ ⁻ groups bonded thereon, easily soluble in water. The radical addition reaction was observed by the electron spin resonance spectrum (ESR), in which the signal at g=2.0032, ΔH_(pp)=4.32 G represents the bonding of radicals.

EXAMPLE 3b

A reaction flask (IL) was charged with carbon nanocapsules (100 mg) and methylmethacrylate (25 ml) dissolved in toluene (250 ml). The solution mixture was illuminated at room temperature to initiate radical generation of methylmethacrylate, thereby reacting with the surface double bonds of the carbon nanocapsules. The radical addition reaction was observed by the electron spin resonance spectrum (ESR), in which signals at g=2.0033, ΔH_(pp)=8.56 G and g=2.0037, ΔH_(pp)=4.44 G represent the bonding of radicals.

While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. 

1. An organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule, comprising: a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface; and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof, wherein the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group, and n is the number of the organic functional group.
 2. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituting multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure, and the diameter of a carbon nanocapsule is 3-100 nm.
 3. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein n is 1-100,000.
 4. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-5.
 5. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-2.
 6. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein each E is independently E₁, E₂, E₃, E₄ or E₅, in which each E₁, independently, is Y₁,Y₂-amino, (Y₁,Y₂-alkyl)amino, Y₁,Y₂-ethylendiamino, (dihydroxymethyl)alkylamino, (X₁,X₃-aryl)amino, or X₁,X₃-aryloxy; each E₂, independently, is Y₁,Y₂-alkoxy, (Y₁,Y₂-amino)alkoxy, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-aryl)oxy, (dihydroxyalkyl)aryloxy, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkyl)amino, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-aryl)amino, or dihydroxyalkylamino; each E₃, independently, is Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkoxy, (trihydroxyalkyl)alkoxy, (trihydroxyalkyl)alkylamino, (dicarboxyalkyl)amino, (Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkyl)thio, (X₁,X₂-aryl)thio, (Y₁,Y₂-alkyl)thio, (dihydroxyalkyl)thio, Y₁,Y₂-dioxoalkyl; each E₄, independently, is ((glycosidyl)oxoheteroaryl)amino, ((glycosidyl)oxoaryl)amino, (X₁,X₂,X₃-heteroaryl)amino, (X₁-diarylketone)amino, (X,X₁-oxoaryl)amino, (X,X₁-dioxoaryl)amino, (Y₁-alkyl,Y₂-alkyldioxoheteroaryl)amino, (Y₁-alkyl,Y₂-alkyldioxoaryl)amino, (di(Y₁,Y₂-methyl)dioxoheteroaryl)amino, (di(Y₁,Y₂-methyl)dioxoaryl)amino, ((glycosidyl)heteroaryl)amino, ((glycosidyl)aryl)amino, ((carboxylacetylalkyl)oxoheteroaryl)amino, ((carboxylacetylalkyl)oxoaryl)amino, ((isopropylaminohydroxyalkoxy)aryl)amino, or (X₁,X₂,X₃-alkylaryl)amino; each E₅, independently, is (X₁,X₂,X₃-heteroaryl)oxy, (isopropylaminohydroxyalkyl)aryloxy, (X₁,X₂,X₃-oxoheteroaryl)oxy, (X₁,X₂,X₃-oxoaryl)oxy, (X₁,Y₁-oxoheteroaryl)oxy, (X₁-diarylketone)oxy, (X,X₁-oxoaryl)oxy, (X₁,X₂-dioxoaryl)oxy, (Y₁,Y₂,di-aminodihydroxy)alkyl, (X₁,X₂-heteroaryl)thio, ((tricarboxylalkyl)ethylendiamino)alkoxy, (X₁,X₂-oxoaryl)thio, (X₁,X₂-dioxoaryl)thio, (glycosidylheteroaryl)thio, (glycosidylaryl)thio, Y₁-alkyl(thiocarbonyl)thio, Y₁,Y₂-alkyl(thiocarbonyl)thio, Y₁,Y₂,Y₃-alkyl(thiocarbonyl)thio, (Y₁,Y₂-aminothiocarbonyl)thio, (pyranosyl)thio, cysteinyl, tyrosinyl, (phenylalanyl)amino, (dicarboxyalkyl)thio, (aminoaryl)₁₋₂₀ amino, or (pyranosyl)amino; each X, independently, is halide; each of X₁ and X₂, independently, is —H, —Y₁, —O—Y₁, —S—Y₁, —NH—Y₁, —CO—O—Y₁, —O—CO—Y₁, —CO—NH—Y₁, —CO—NY₁Y₂, —NH—CO—Y₁, —SO₂—Y₁, —CHY₁Y₂, or —NY₁Y₂; each X₃, independently, is —Y₁, —O—Y₁, —S—Y₁, —NH—Y₁, —CO—O—Y₁, —O—CO—Y₁, —CO—NH—Y₁, —CO—NY₁Y₂, —NH—CO—Y₁, —SO, —Y₁, —CHY₁Y₂ or —NY₁Y₂; each of Y₁, Y₂ and Y₃, independently, is —B-Z; each B, independently, is —R_(a)—O—[Si(CH₃)₂—O—]₁₋₁₀₀, C₁₋₂₀₀₀ alkyl, C₆₋₄₀ aryl, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl, C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl, (C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₋₃₀ alkyl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀(C₆₋₄₀ aryl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl thioether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R—CO—O—(C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₄₋₅₀ alkyl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₁₄₋₆₀ aryl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₀₋₈₀ alkylaryl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₁₀₋₈₀ arylalkyl urethane)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₅₋₅₀ alkyl urea)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₄₋₆₀ aryl urea)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₁₀₋₈₀ alkylaryl urea)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₁₀₋₈₀ arylalkyl urea)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₂₋₅₀ alkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₆₀ aryl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl amide)₁₋₁₀₀ (C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₃₋₃₀ alkyl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₅₀ aryl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₉₋₆₀ alkylaryl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₉₋₆₀ arylalkyl anhydride)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₂₋₃₀ alkyl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₇₋₅₀ aryl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₄₀ alkylaryl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, (C₈₋₆₀ arylalkyl carbonate)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—C—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₃—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₁₋₃₀ alkyl ether, C₆₋₄₀ aryl ether, C₇₋₆₀ alkylaryl ether, or C₇₋₆₀ arylalkyl ether)₁₋₁₀₀, —CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl ester, C₇₋₆₀ aryl ester, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl ester, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl ester)₁₋₁₀₀, —R₃—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—O—, —R₁—O—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)—NH—CO—NH—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl amide, C₇₋₆₀ aryl amide, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl amide, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀, or —R₁—NH—CO—NH—(R₂ or Ar—R₂—Ar)NH—CO—NH—(C₂₋₅₀ alkyl amide, C₇₋₆₀ aryl amide, C₈₋₇₀ alkylaryl amide, or C₈₋₇₀ arylalkyl amide)₁₋₁₀₀; each Z, independently, is —C-D, wherein each C, independently, is —R—, —R—Ar—, —Ar—R—, or —Ar—; and each D, independently, is —OH, —SH, —NH₂, —NHOH, —SO₃H, —OSO₃H, —COOH, —CONH₂, —CO—NH—NH₂, —CH(NH₂)—COOH, —P(OH)₃, —PO(OH)₂, —O—PO(OH)₂, —O—PO(OH)—O—PO(OH)₂, —O—PO(O⁻)—O—CH₂CH₂NH₃ ⁺, -glycoside, —OCH₃, —O—CH₂—(CHOH)₄—CH₂₄—CH, —O—CH₂—(CHOH)₂—CHOH, —C₆H₃(OH)₂, —NH₃ ⁺, —N⁺HR_(b)R_(c), or N⁺HR_(b)R_(c)R_(d); wherein each of R, R₁, R₂, R₃, R_(a), R_(b), R_(d), and R_(d) independently, is C₁₋₃₀ alkyl, each Ar, independently, is aryl.
 7. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is functionalized by a redox reaction.
 8. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is functionalized by a cycloaddition reaction.
 9. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is functionalized by a radical addition reaction.
 10. An organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule, comprising: a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface; and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof, wherein the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group selected from —OH, —C═O, —CHO or COOH, n is the number of the organic functional group, and the carbon nanocapsule F is functionalized by a redox reaction.
 11. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituting multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure, and the diameter of a carbon nanocapsule is 3-100 nm.
 12. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein n is 1-100,000.
 13. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-5.
 14. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-2.
 15. An organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule, comprising: a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface; and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof, wherein the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group selected from —NHAr, —N⁺(CH₃)₂Ar, ═CCl₂ or amino group, n is the number of the organic functional group, and the carbon nanocapsule F is functionalized by a cycloaddition reaction.
 16. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 15, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituting multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure, and the diameter of a carbon nanocapsule is 3-100 nm.
 17. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 15, wherein n is 1-100,000.
 18. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 15, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-5.
 19. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 15, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-2.
 20. An organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule, comprising: a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface; and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof, wherein the organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group selected from —OH, —OSO₃ ⁻, —C(CH₃)₂COOCH₃ or —C(CH₃)₂CN, n is the number of the organic functional group, and the carbon nanocapsule F is functionalized by a radical addition reaction.
 21. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 20, wherein the carbon nanocapsule is a polyhedral carbon cluster constituting multiple graphite layers having a balls-within-a ball structure, and the diameter of a carbon nanocapsule is 3-100 nm.
 22. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 20, wherein n is 1-100,000.
 23. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 20, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-5.
 24. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule as claimed in claim 20, wherein the carbon nanocapsule has an aspect ratio of about 1-2. 